China Paulownia Research Center（CPRC） and Non-timber Forest Research and Development Center of CAF （NFRDC）

The history of CPRC/ NFRDC

China Paulownia Research Center (CPRC) was original formed in 1984 by sanction of the formal National Committee of Science and Technology and was directly administered by the formal National Forestry Department. It was put under centralized management by ChineseAcademy of Forestry in 1992. For broadening its research scope, Non-timber Forest Research and Development Center of CAF (NFRDC) was approved to be an additional name by National Forestry Administration in 1998.

CPRC / NFRDC are the only national institute agency aimed at scientific research on Paulownia and non-timber forestry.

CPRC /NFRDC carry out fundamental and application researches associated with Paulownia and non-timber forestry. It is in charge of undertaking national –level research projects, technical training and extending, organizing scientific collaboration and exchange both domestic and internationally, and providing science information and guidance for Paulownia and non-timber research and development. The main scopes include:

lPaulownia and non-timber forest breeding and high yielding produce technology;

lProviding new clones and cultivars, high yield cultivation technology;

Over 20 years research, CPRC / NFRDC have formed an advantageous position in breeding, cultivation and comprehensive utilization of Paulownia, Eucommia, Kernel-used apricot, plumcot and persimmon, etc.

During last 27 years, CPRC / NFRDC have completed more than 160 scientific projects in financially supported by National Key Technology R&D Program, 948 program, Natural Science foundation program, National public benefit research sector, Transformation Fund for Agricultural Science and Technology Achievements, and International Corporation Program (UNDP, China-Australia), etc, since its establishment. During recent 5 years, CPRC / NFRDC carried out 60 projects with fund of 60 million RMB. CPRC / NFRDC have achieved 40 scientific fruits and were awarded for Scientific Progress for more than 20 fruits. CPRC / NFRDC have also own 9 national inventory patents.

lPaulownia research achievements

CPRC / NFRDC have collected more than 338 sets resources of Paulownia including, varieties, provincial, superior individual and selected 40 Paulownia super clones. Breakthrough has been achieved in plantation stand structure, density and trunk shape tending. Paulownia composite wood by megnetron sputtering Coating technology has been developed which has characteristics of protection against static electricity and electromagnetic irradiation. This technology fills the domestic gaps.

lNon-timber forestry research achievements

Resources: more than 1200 germplasm resources have been collected of Encomia, Prunoideae, and persimmon and oil-tea camellia;

Breakthrough in high yielding gutta-percha new variety breeding and orchard-like cultivation, functional food of Encomia male flower drink and linolenic acid oil allow us a leading position in this field internationally.

We are the first agency to introduce plumcot into China and select a dozen of new cultivars with superior characters and great developmental potentials, such as Kernel-used apricot new cultivars of “Zhongren 1”, “Dragon 1” , “Kernel apricot 108”, etc.